My Zero Waste Period

I don't like to use the phrase zero waste too often. It feels too overwhelming of an idea and I can't help but think I'm not the only person who has been put off living more sustainably by it the magnitude of the concept.

However, we all have to make small sustainable changes if we want to improve the environment. One of the easiest for me was switching from disposable sanitary supplies to a menstrual cup.

Warning!! from now on I'm going to be talking fairly graphically about periods and my body. If you don't think you can handle that, please stop reading.

Prior to using my menstrual cup, I had primarily used Pads as I was always intimidated by the idea of inserting anything into my vagina. Using tampons only a handful of times.

Using a menstrual cup is far easier than most imagine. It folds down to a narrow shape, and because it's a smooth silicone it slides in and out pretty easily, (No more pain from removing that last tampon). It cleans easily by boiling it in water. You can reuse it for several years so despite the higher initial layout it is definitely the most cost-efficient option.

For me, the biggest difference has been how much easier my periods have been to manage. As someone with a heavy flow, I was used to spending 7 days feeling uncomfortable with a heavy dragging feeling in my uterus. But genuinely towards the end of my period, I have actually forgotten I'm on; I've had to set phone reminders to remove the cup. Can you actually imagine being able to forget you on your period?

That's not to say its all been plain sailing. Whilst I have never had any issues putting in or taking out the cup I certainly have had a few leaks over the years. I do have a heavy flow and previously would go to bed with 2 pads to stay dry.

You do have to be willing to be quite intimate with yourself to use one. But it's worth it, not only is it the environmentally friendly option it's actually improved my quality of life.

Spirulina Smoothie Bowl

I've spoken before about my love of spirulina, the weird green algae that seems to provide me with limitless amounts of pep.  Honestly I don't know what I did before I discovered it, but since I have it goes into pretty much every breakfast option I have: chia seed, oats, smoothies, juices the works. Recently I've been loving it in this smoothie bowl which is my current favourite weekend breakfast (its not quite as quick to make as my oats or standard smoothies). Its super thick, creamy and delicious. If your a fan of banana soft serve think of this as a more nutrient packed version!

Ingredients (makes one greedy serving)

1 Medium very ripe banana Banana
120g Strawberries
2 tbs Greek Yoghurt (I use Total 0%)
1-2 tsp Spirulina
1 cup of Water

Recipe  

I like to keep frozen bananas and strawberries on hand for emergency smoothie purposes but alternatively just pop in a few ice cubes to keep things chilled. Pop it all into the blender and whizz till smooth

Toppings 

My favourites are cocoa nibs, chia seeds, hemp, and fresh strawberries, but blueberries, coconut and bee pollen are all delicious - who I'm I to judge but whatever you like on it, and enjoy!!